julia. I met her the other day: married, and with three children—and just as pretty and young-looking as ever.
(All this is said with the most ravishing air, but Laura is not to be diverted.)
laura. Ah! I daresay. When Martha behaves like that, I hold my tongue and say nothing. But what people must think, I don't know. Julia, when you first came here, did you find old friends and acquaintances? Did anybody recognise you?
julia. A few called on me: nobody I didn't wish to see.
laura. Is that odious man who used to be our next-door neighbour—the one who played on the 'cello—here still?
julia. Mr. Harper? I see him occasionally. I don't find him odious.
laura. Don't you?
julia. It was his wife who was the—— She isn't here: and I don't think he wants her.
laura. Where is she?
julia. I didn't ask, Laura.